Oracle SNMP Support Reference Guide
The scalar values for MIB variables (and ratios based on these variables) measuring database performance can vary tremendously, depending on the type of database application, the number of users accessing the database, and the amount of data being processed. This fact poses a challenge to the developer of a management application presenting this information. Graphic elements intended to accommodate the full range of scalar values can mislead when presenting scalar values at the low end of the range; even large changes relative to their size can appear insignificant when plotted on a graph designed to accommodate much greater values achievable at other installations.
One good way to accommodate users at both ends of the data spectrum is to scale the presentation of data dynamically. This involves adjusting the scale of the graph measuring the data as the data attains certain thresholds. For example, if you were to plot against time the speed of a jet from takeoff to its cruising level, you might set the upper limit of the graph upon takeoff at 200 mph; when that threshold is reached, you could dynamically adjust the upper limit to 400 mph, and then adjust it twice more as thresholds of 400 and 600 mph are attained.